L'Heure Bleue Palais, Essaouira

Built on the site of an ancient fondouk, L'Heure Bleue Palais is a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, offering five-star comforts in one of the most prestigious addresses in Essaouira. Located at the edge of the Medina and in close proximity to the beach, L'Heure Bleue is not an ordinary riad. Like the town itself, it is very cosmopolitan and takes in influences from all around the world.
The 16 rooms are decorated in a colonial African style while the 19 suite decors reflect the history of this ancient Portuguese town. Portuguese design focuses on pastel and blue tones, English colonial décor includes engravings and drawings that recount the colony's history and Eastern styles are rich in gold and burgundy tones.
At the heart of the property is a lovely interior courtyard, decorated with an ornamental fountain. Unusual for a riad within the medina walls, the hotel features a large rooftop heated swimming pool and sun deck. The exquisite restaurant serves gourmet French cuisine accented with Moroccan flavours in the lounge and the bar on the terrace offers 360-degree panoramic views of the historical medina, the port and the sea. The traditional Moroccan spa offers an array of treatments while the home cinema room, library, relaxing lounge area and the boutique all add to the luxury hotel experience.